Departures (2008)
director: Yōjirō Takita
Daigo, a gifted cellist, finds himself without a job when his orchestra is dissolved. In search of a new path, he and his wife move back to his hometown, where he takes a job with a local funeral director. Despite the judgment of others, Daigo becomes captivated by the rituals of the work. Through his daily encounters with death, he starts to realize what truly matters in life.
Sanjay’s Super Team (2015)
director: Sanjay Patel
This Pixar short film is based on true events, beautifully enhanced with a child's boundless imagination. Sanjay, raised in a Hindu family, is expected to meditate with his father every day, but all he really wants is to watch his favorite superheroes on TV. When he accidentally sets his action figure’s cape on fire with a temple flame, he’s transported into a mystical world alongside his idols. Be sure to catch the heartwarming final image in the credits.
Breaking the Waves (1996)
director: Lars von Trier
Bess, a devout young woman from a close-knit religious community in Scotland, marries Jan, an outsider working on an oil rig. When an accident leaves Jan paralyzed, he believes that by encouraging Bess to spend time with other men and share her experiences with him, it will somehow bring him spiritual healing. Though Bess agrees, her journey takes a challenging turn. This thought-provoking film touches on faith, love, and the intricate dance between right and wrong.
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
director: Norman Jewison
Set in a small Jewish village in Tsarist Russia, Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a humble milkman trying to hold onto tradition as his three spirited daughters seek love and independence. This heartwarming classic beautifully explores the themes of family, faith, and the push-and-pull between tradition and change. With John Williams' unforgettable score, which earned him his first Oscar for Best Music, the film remains a timeless celebration of resilience and love.
Mixed Kebab (2012)
director: Guy Lee Thys
Ibrahim is a young Turkish-Belgian man who finds himself caught between his cultural identity and his heart. While his family expects him to marry a Turkish woman, he is in love with Kevin, a Flemish man. As he tries to balance his family's traditions with his own desires, tensions rise, leading to a powerful clash of culture, religion, and personal truth.
Rituelen (1989)
director: Herbert Curiël
When Inni Wintrop loses both his fortune and the love of his life, he seeks solace in an unexpected place: Japanese rituals and ceremonies. Based on the award-winning novel by Cees Nooteboom, this Dutch film unfolds slowly and meditatively, much like the rituals it portrays. VPRO Cinema fittingly describes Rituals as "non-Dutch meditative cinema," offering a contemplative escape from the ordinary.
